What they're saying about us

More than half of all U.S. adults – 101,900,000 – say they use travel media such as newspaper travel sections, television travel shows, consumer travel magazines and Internet sources to plan their vacations, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Whenever you see our destination in the news, it is evidence that the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s communications department has been hard at work generating millions of dollars worth of free publicity. We’re proud to report what they’re saying about us . . .

Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Lunch at the Mucky Duck Pub on Captiva is served with a beach view. The restaurant is near Sanibel Island, a wildlife haven where two-thirds of the island is set aside as a protected preserve. Those looking to save a few dollars can stay across the bridge in Fort Myers.”

AAA Going Places
“Celebrating its 49^th season of presenting a level of music quality usually reserved for large metropolitan orchestras, the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra opens the classical segment of its season on Nov. 21 with ‘Made in America,’ celebrating the melting pot that is America. The concert will be held at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-418-0996 or visit www.swflso.org.”

Men’s Journal
“Looking for a challenge this weekend? Head down to Fort Myers to compete in the open water swimming event hosted by former Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol. Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans features plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as some healthy competition for the die-hards. In addition to the 1K and 5K open water events (with youth and masters brackets), Peirsol will host open water swim clinics with fellow Olympians Brendan Hansen, Brooke Bennett and Rowdy Gaines. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be instructed by some of the world’s best swimmers.”

Bridal Guide
“Before the official start of summer, the BG fashion and beauty team was fortunate enough to experience a trip to Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Fla. With scenic views and the ocean at our footsteps, we just couldn’t pass up this amazing opportunity to shoot some fashion stories for our upcoming issues. While the location was absolutely perfect, strategic planning and long hours of preparation on our part were necessary to make the fashion shoots a total success.”

Shermans Travel Magazine
“There is perhaps no better feeling than that of cruising the waters of Pine Island Sound from atop the bridge of your own boat and floating home. For those who agree and have moderate or greater experience piloting boats larger than 25 feet, a smart splurge is to rent one from Southwest Florida Yachts in North Fort Myers. The company offers a selection of beautifully maintained luxury trawlers and sailboats available for charter. Take a Grand Banks 42 ($4,500 for the week, plus $200 a day if you’d like a licensed captain onboard to teach you the ropes: www.swfyachts.com) down the Caloosahatchee River toward the Gulf of Mexico and turn north along the east coast of Sanibel.”

Roam (USA 3000 in-flight magazine, commenting on ‘Tween Waters Inn)
“As I stroll through the property, I learn that many of these cottages have stood here since the 1920s. I’m staying in the Lindbergh Cottage, named for Charles Lindbergh, who vacationed with the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison on this island in the early Twentieth Century. I recall the pictures of Lindbergh and the model of The Spirit of St. Louis as I have seen around. I wonder what the Roosevelts did to relish their vacation days on the island...”

www.girlgetaways.com
“One night in a one-bedroom beachfront suite at Casa Ybel Resort, a cocktail at Coconuts pool bar, and a one-day bike rental. Mention GG. Why it’s a deal: You receive the cocktail and bike rental at no extra cost. When: Aug. 1-Dec. 30 (from $145 per person, double). Contact: Casa Ybel Resort, 800-276-4753, www.casaybelresort.com.”

Examiner.com
“Leoma Lovegrove sounds like a fictional character. But she’s for real, a colorful painter who has set up shop in Matlacha, an artsy little burg on Pine Island, a slice of old world Florida you’ve probably never heard of. Matlacha isn’t where you go to have a traditional luxury travel experience. But if it’s authenticity you crave, along with fresh seafood, friendly bars (when was the last time you had a $1 beer?), great fishing and a bona fide artists’ community, then you’ll give this off-the-map destination five stars.”

Frommer’s
“I dive and love the far-afield places that scuba takes me, but I recently went to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, on the Gulf coast of Florida, and I was instantly taken. I’d read about the islands, knew it was almost impossible to book a vacation unless you plan months in advance, and really thought it would be an overrun tourist mecca. Which it is. And it isn’t. It’s a thriving town that has a lot of die-hard locals who love the place.”

Woodall’s Florida RV Traveler
“Edison Festival of Light: Named one of the Southeast Top 20 Events, this celebrates world famous inventor and Fort Myers winter resident Thomas Alva Edison. Join in the three weeks of special activities, including the Southeast’s largest lighted parade, the Light Up the Town concert series, artisan shows, fireworks and stadium show, junior parade and southwest Florida’s largest science fair.”

Modern Bride
“The Song of the Sea, Sanibel Island, Fla. Forgo the crowds at this 30-room hideaway set on soft sands lapped by warm Gulf waters. Beach chairs, breakfast, bicycles and a bottle of wine are all complimentary (from $190, mid-April to May, and $142, June to October, sanibelcollection.com).”

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